Military records show a man who was arraigned Monday in the Friday shooting death of his wife in their rural Medford home is a retired Marine who served four tours in the Middle East.

Bourne Huddleston, 43, faces a murder charge and other Measure 11 charges related to allegations he tried to solicit someone to kill his wife. He was being held Monday in the Jackson County Jail without bail.

Huddleston's wife, Kristy Huddleston, 34, died of a gunshot wound. She worked as a nurse case manager for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where she helped returning military veterans reintegrate into the community following deployment, VA officials said.

Police and Jackson County Fire District No. 5 responded to the Huddleston's home at 6645 Pioneer Road after a 911 call reported her bleeding at 2:10 a.m. Friday.

Police tracked Huddleston to an Eagle Point residence where they arrested him without incident.

The shooting was a shock to neighbors, who said Huddleston was a quiet man they never suspected of having any trouble at home. Following the shooting, one neighbor remembered him as "a heck of a nice guy," while another described him as a "nice, quiet guy."

Military records show Huddleston served four tours in the Middle East. He was part of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm from August 1990 to April 1991. He also was deployed from February to July 2003 under Operation Southern Watch Kuwait; from May to August 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom; and from March to October 2008 for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

U.S. Marine Corps records show Huddleston served from November 1988 until his retirement in August 2009. He worked as a fixed wing aircraft mechanic for AV-8B Harrier jets, as a recruiter, ground safety specialist and a martial arts instructor.

Shauna Boller, who now lives in Houston, Texas, said she first met Huddleston in 1998 while she was living in Klamath Falls. Huddleston was a U.S. Marine Corps recruiter at the time. She enlisted and went to boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., but was later released from duty because of an asthma attack. Huddleston picked her up from the Medford airport when she returned.

"He was always a very outgoing, very energetic, fun person. That was like my family," Boller said. "(He was) serious when it was time for business. I just never in my wildest dreams ever dreamed this."

Boller said she began working at the Klamath Falls recruiting office upon her return and stayed for five months. She remembers Huddleston as helpful and encouraging, and said that he had devoted a lot of time to helping her succeed as a Marine.

"He helped so many people come into the Marine Corps and get us ready," Boller said. "When we didn't have a plan for our life, he got us there."

Huddleston's military records show he received 19 medals during his service, many of them recognizing his tours of duty in various overseas assignments. The medals also include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, which is awarded to service members who "distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service."

Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or by email at rpfeil@mailtribune.com